What should be done first when hand forming a streamline cover plate using a form block?

When hand forming a streamline cover plate using a form block, the initial step is to ensure that the material is positioned correctly and securely on the mold. This involves fastening dead soft aluminum over the hollow portion of the mold. By doing so, you are preparing the material to take on the shape of the mold during the forming process. This step is crucial as it ensures that the aluminum maintains contact with the mold, allowing it to form accurately around the contours of the block.

Fastening the aluminum securely helps prevent slipping or misalignment as force is applied during the hand forming process, which could lead to imprecise results. Therefore, this action establishes a solid foundation for the subsequent shaping processes.

Other options, such as placing the mold on a flat surface, heating the aluminum before forming, or drawing the design on the mold, are important steps, but they typically follow the initial securing of the aluminum to the mold. These steps can contribute to the effectiveness of the forming process but are not the first actions to take when beginning the actual hand forming task.